Systems and methods for matching participants to a conversation

Abstract

Systems and methods for connecting two or more individuals to an Internet conversation based on their mutual interests, the current content they may be viewing and what they want to talk about at that time. The techniques of the present invention allow an individual who starts a conversation to maintain full control over who is able to join that conversation as well as how many are able to join at any one time. A user who desires to start or join a conversation about a particular topic or story selects an indicator, such as an icon, associated with the specific topic or story. The user is presented with an option to start or join a conversation. If the user opts to start a conversation, the user is presented with a comment page, and the user enters a comment, or comments, that preferably is intended to spark an interest in other users. The comment is then presented to other users. Those users who may desire to join in a conversation with the conversation starter respond with their own comment, which is then sent to the conversation starter. The conversation starter reviews the comment, and if the comment is subjectively acceptable, the conversation starter brings the responding user into a conversation. The responding user and conversation starter are then connected in a messaging session, such as an instant messaging session. Multiple users may be connected in a single messaging session by the conversation starter in this manner.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to Internet based conversations between individuals, and more particularly to improved techniques for connecting individuals in conversations based on the individuals' interests.[0002]Internet chat rooms have been in existence for some time. In general there are two types of chat rooms, private and public. In public chat rooms, anyone can join the chat room to discuss issues during any time that the chat room is active. In a public chat room, an individual typically locates the chat room and jumps into the conversation if it is appealing to the individual. The individual is able to simply listen in (i.e. view all comments as they are posted in the room) or the individual may join in by posting a comment. In general, there is no way to prevent an undesirable participant from joining in the conversation, possibly wasting the other participants' time. In private chat rooms, on the other hand, it is possible to pre...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a system and method for connecting individuals with mutual interests through an Internet conversation. The system allows users to start or join conversations based on their current mutual interests related to media content they may be viewing. The users can control who can join the conversations and how many can join at any given time. The system includes a publicly accessible communications server that allows users to dynamically create and join conversations based on their current mutual interests. The users can enter comments or reply comments to the media content they are viewing, which are then reviewed and connected in a messaging session if the users approve of the comment. The technical effects of the invention include enabling users to have meaningful conversations about media content and promoting mutual understanding among users with similar interests."

Problems solved by technology

In general, there is no way to prevent an undesirable participant from joining in the conversation, possibly wasting the other participants' time.

Such Internet chat rooms generally do not provide users with the ability to dynamically create a conversation with other users directed to current media content the users may be currently viewing.

In particular, there is no ability to control access based on what is being said.

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